Chelsea humiliate Sunderland

London - Chelsea reasserted their credentials as Premier League title favourites with a superb 7-2 demolition of Sunderland on Saturday.

Manchester United, who have played a game more than the leaders, remained one point off the pace after a 3-0 win over Burnley at Old Trafford.

But it was another frustrating day for Liverpool, who conceded a last-minute equaliser at Stoke which further dents their chances of a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League next season.

Chelsea were in irresistible form at Stamford Bridge. Carlo Ancelotti's men might have been two goals in front by the time Nicolas Anelka put them ahead in the seventh minute.

Florent Malouda added a second with a solo run and shot, Ashley Cole provided an equally fine third and Frank Lampard ensured Sunderland were out for the count with only 34 minutes gone.

Germany captain Michael Ballack made it five after the restart before Boudewijn Zenden pulled one back for Sunderland.

Anelka quickly replied and Lampard also claimed a second goal of the afternoon before Darren Bent's stoppage-time strike ensured Sunderland avoided equalling their heaviest Premier League defeat.

There were no such fireworks at Old Trafford, where the Manchester United faithful had to wait until the 56th minute before Dimitar Berbatov broke Burnley's resistance.

Wayne Rooney's 16th goal of the season and substitute Mame Biram Diouf's first for the club made sure that Brian Laws's first match in charge of Burnley ended in defeat.

A second-half goal from Sotirios Kyrgiakos had looked like it would be enough to ease the pressure on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez following the club's FA Cup exit to Championship side Reading earlier in the week.

But the defensive frailty that has hampered Liverpool throughout the campaign was exposed again in the 90th minute when Robert Huth scrambled in an equaliser after the visitors had failed to clear a corner.

Having been denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in the first half, Liverpool suffered further frustration when Dirk Kuyt headed against the post in the fifth minute of injury time.

"It feels like a defeat," admitted Kuyt. "We aren't playing the best football at the moment, but I thought we fought really hard for this result, and to concede in the last minute and even miss a great chance in the last minute is unbelievable."

The draw left Liverpool languishing in seventh place, four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham, who moved above Manchester City on goal difference after a goalless draw at home to Hull.

City had the chance to move back above Spurs when they faced Everton at Goodison Park later in the day.

Wigan pulled away from the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at fellow strugglers Wolves in a match both teams ended with ten men.

Wolves defender Richard Stearman received a second yellow card when he conceded a first-half penalty. Marcus Hahnemann saved Hugo Rodallega's spot-kick but Wigan made their numerical advantage count though James McCarthy on the hour.

The numbers were evened up when Wigan midfielder Hendry Thomas was ordered off shortly afterwards but Charles N'Zogbia made sure of the points for the visitors.

AFP

Comments

Lamps_8 - 2010-01-18 07:48

Where all the ones who said we were 'Nothing' without our African stars?We'll give anyone hidings with our recent form.Come on Chelsea!Lets Bring it home and keep the United Commoners Quiet!F*** the Rest!CHELS are the Best!

Alexio - 2010-01-18 10:31

The rich small team beat the poor smaller team. With the utmost respect to Sunderland!!! If Chelsea lost this game, they would have bought another six players so, WTF, EPL sucks!!! Barca4life!

Chelsea faithful - 2010-01-18 11:52

Then why do you comment here?
and chelsea wouldn't have bought anyone if they lost,we beat most teams even if we use second string players.Thats the difference between the blues and barca,without messi,henry & Ibrahimovic you wouldnt be winning every game 3-0,It would be much closer.If you don't like the EPL then don't comment numbnuts

Alonso - 2010-01-18 13:19

LOL, Hey Lamps_8, did you pray for Roman today, ...and ask God to bless him that he made your life so pleasant, for pumping ill-gotten money into Chelski, so you can proudly brag over here, today???If you haven't, you should have the decency to do so........otherwise u'r a commoner and glory seeking sheep!

Lamps_8 - 2010-01-18 14:15

Come on now Alonso,I Pray for Roman & the Chels everyday not just today.Why do you say the money was ill-gotten?Are you also jealous like me that he's filthy rich?hahaha.Roman Abramovich for President!!!!

Alonso - 2010-01-18 14:44

@Lamps_8, why ill-gotten you ask? Chelsea fans invented the chant: “If you want the best then don't ask questions ‘cos Roman, he's our man. But, where does it all come from is a mystery. Is it guns? Is it drugs? Is it oil from the sea?” No person so poor can get so rich so fast, without others losing, in this case the poor people of Russia, Read: ''http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/may/08/russia.football Also, "http://developage.com/blog/?p=119" and so many more. If there is ever regime change in Russia, Abramovich is in sh*it! At the moment Putin is protecting him.

Lamps_8 - 2010-01-18 15:45

I understand what you're saying but to be completely honest,I don't really care where he gets the money as long as he's willing to Invest in Chelsea for the rest of his life.The days of Zola,PeacockMark Hughes and Dennis wise were wonderful but I Love how Chelsea have changed since Mourinho and Abramovich got involved.I stand by my team no matter what happens!True Blue,Through and Through!